perspective

“As with expeditions into the wilds when we have endured storms and rapids, cold and sleet, and sometimes lack of food, it is ultimately the good things we remember, not the bad.”

—Sigurd F. Olson

This quote came to me today and felt spot on. It is most difficult to have perspective when in the middle of a storm. These are photos of us exploring Bainbridge Island Washington over the summer. When I took these I was stressed and excited waiting for my husband to finish packing and travel across the country to meet us so we could settle down and explore new possibilities. I had been watching all three girls by myself for close to a month and it was wearing me out. When I look at these photos I see and remember the incredible nature we were surrounded by during that time and those mountains! When I saw the mountains they always calmed my anxious spirit and put things into perspective.

I find a daily gratitude to really help especially during tough times. And getting out into nature really eases my mind. Do you have habits or rituals that help support you when you are in times of trouble or just in general?

another favorite playground

We spent time in the Pacific Northwest this summer and fall. Those evergreens are so enchanting-some of the tallest trees in the world that seem to stretch up to the heavens. There is definitely a part of my heart that lives out there. These above images are from time we spent at Sacred Groves a magical 10 acre forest sanctuary on Bainbridge Island in Puget sound.

In the fall we traveled across the country to the mountains of Western North Carolina where we collected kindling for the fire and snuggled in surrounded by the big hug of the smoky mountains. What an amazing playground for my girls! I have many fond memories of running and playing in the woods as a child- I learned so much about life in those woods near my home. Do you have a sacred place? Or maybe it is a secret?- I won't tell! 8)

The woods- majestic and strong- the trees hold us, hug us and help us breathe.

my favorite playground

The sand, the sea, the sun and the sky. What could be better than a giant sandbox? Where is your favorite place to play?!!

long time away

So we have been on a long adventure. Our little family has been looking for a new home for almost 8 months. We traveled across the country from Providence Rhode Island to Seattle Washington. We stayed in many Airbnb's throughout the Pacific Northwest: a yurt community, a tiny house, a VW camper (that my 6 year old fell in love with!) a woodland cabin and of course traditional camping in our trusty REI Kingdom 8! For some reason this seems like it would have been a great time to share but I felt a little closed off- I documented so many amazing photos that I will trickle in here and there for future- stay tuned!

The theme of home is ripe for me.

What does home mean to you?